Programme structure

Stages for undergraduate programmes

For students who enrolled onto the first year of an undergraduate degree from September 2020 onwards, progression is based on a linear model of progress through discrete years of study.

Foundation Stage

The Foundation Stage is for students who do not meet the normal entry requirements for Year One entry into certain subjects.

If you are a Foundation Stage student, you must complete all its requirements before entering Year One. This consists of eight module credits including the Foundation compulsory module credits for the appropriate Foundation Subject. No modules that are passed in the Foundation Stage can be credited to or re-taken in Year One.

Year One

Year One is the initial introductory part of the course and consists of modules at Level 4. Students must pass 120 acceptable Level 4 credits before progressing into Level 5. This must include a minimum of six compulsory modules (90 credits) and up to two optional modules (30 credits).

For full-time students, Year One is normally completed in one year. A maximum of 30 credits via compensation.

Year Two

Year Two consists of Level 5 modules. Students must pass 120 acceptable credits before progressing to Level 6. This must include a minimum of four compulsory modules (60 credits) and up to four Optional modules (60 credits).

For full-time students, Year Two is normally completed in one year. A maximum of 15 credits via compensation.

Year Three

Year Three consists of Level 6 (Honours) modules. Students must pass 120 acceptable credits. This must include a minimum of two compulsory modules (30 credits) and up to six optional modules (90 credits).

For full-time students, Year Three is normally completed in one year. No compensation.

Integrated Masters

Integrated Masters is the fourth year of study and consists of 120 credits at Level 7. For full-time students, the Integrated Masters year is normally completed in one year.

Stage II

For students who enrolled in their first year prior to September 2020 or were admitted into Year two prior to September 2021:

Stage II is the final part of the course and consists of 240 credits, mainly at Levels 5 and 6 Honours. Level 6 Honours modules are normally taken towards the end of your programme and must include a 30 credit module which may be a project/dissertation type module.

For full-time students, Stage II is normally completed in two years (years 2 & 3). No compensation

Modules

A programme consists of the modules taken over one or more semesters.

A single module is a unit of study usually lasting one semester.

A single undergraduate module is worth 15 CATS (7.5 ECTS) and normally requires 150 hours of student study time for successful completion.
A single postgraduate module is worth 20 CATS (10 ECTS) and requires 200 hours of student study time for completion.

A double module is a unit of study for which the academic content is twice that of a single module and for which twice the amount of credit is given.

Each module has a specified level and will normally be taken in a certain stage of your course. For example, Level 3 modules are usually taken at Foundation level. Level 7 modules at postgraduate level.

Types of modules

Within a programme, modules can be designated as:

Compulsory - A Compulsory module must be taken and passed to satisfy the requirement of your award.
Optional - An Optional module counts towards the overall credit required for your award.
Prerequisite - A Prerequisite module is one which must ordinarily be passed before taking a subsequent specified module. If you wish to register for a module, but have not taken or passed the pre-requisite, the Module Leader to discuss prior to registration.
Placement - A Placement module covers a period of study, normally 1 year in length, involving professional or cultural experience related to the subject(s) of study. It may carry a specified number of module credits but need not.
Practice-based - A Practice-based module is one in which much of a student’s time is spent working with clients or in client care areas in health or related subjects, and building the competence required for Professional practice.
Project/Dissertation - A Project/Dissertation is a detailed and substantial study of a topic of particular interest to the student. Undergraduate Project / Dissertations are usually carried out over two semesters and assessed in their last semester.
Synoptic - A Synoptic is an end of course, broad based study using theoretical methods from a range of acceptable modules within a specific subject.
Independent Study - An Independent Study is an individual learning and assessment package agreed between the student and the Module Leader according to the practices determined by that Course/Subject.
Exemption - Students may be granted an exemption from a module when they can demonstrate that they have met the learning outcomes of the module through prior study/experience. Please contact your Subject Co-ordinator if you wish to seek exemption from a module.